Shining
the spotlight on the Shroud of Turin
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis visits the Italian city of Turin
this weekend (June 20th-21st) during which he will view the famous Shroud of
Turin. The Shroud is a piece of linen cloth that is revered by many people as
the ancient burial cloth in which Jesus was wrapped after his crucifixion
although others believe it to be a medieval forgery. John Iannone is one
of the world’s leading experts on the Shroud and has written two books about
it. He told Susy Hodges why the latest tests on the linen cloth help prove the
Shroud's authenticity and he also spoke about the significance of Pope Francis’
visit to view this icon.
Iannone said his interest in the Shroud began 37 years ago and
he explained why the mystery surrounding the piece of linen cloth continues to
exert a global fascination and curiosity that cuts across all boundaries. “The
turning point” for him came when he actually viewed the Shroud for the first
time in 1998 and he described how he was “mesmerized” by the image of the face
on the cloth.
Asked about the
long-running debate over the Shroud’s authenticity, Iannone outlines the
results of the latest tests on the pollen on the cloth as well as on the blood
stain, saying they all offer compelling proof that it is really is the
authentic burial cloth of Jesus.
Describing Pope
Francis’ visit to view the Shroud as “wonderful,” Iannone said he believes the
papal visit will “raise public awareness” concerning this “very powerful
icon.”
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